Can anyone help me with these symptoms?
I'm a 49 year old man and had IBS for many years and taken medication as well as FODMAP diets etc. Like everyone I get flare ups from time to time but there's one very specific set of symptoms I get every 3-6 months and I wondered if anyone else has experienced?
I get pain in chest (to the point where I've thought previously I'm having a heart attack) over 2-3 days that's gets more painful, alongside it I'll get IBS symptoms (on Saturday went to the toilet 7 times). Then after 3rd/4th day ill get blood when I go to the toilet and then pain will go and system calms down again. My heart is healthy having had scans last year following death of a family member I got an MOT.
I also have hemorrhoids but pretty sure they won't cause chest pain.
This first happened 19 years ago and I had last colonscopy a year ago which was clear (have had polyps in past but everything OK on that front currently).
I guess what I'm keen to know is has anyone had any similar symptoms and if so is this just part of my IBS or is there something else going on as when I'm getting the chest pain it feels like it can't just be the IBS?
Thanks
I'm sorry you've been suffering with pain for so long! I can feel your frustration in not being about to find an answer to your suffering. Have you spoken to a doctor about your chest pain? I think that would be a good idea, as chest pain has the potential to be something serious.
I found this article that I think you might find relatable. The author talks about having symptoms similar to your's:
https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/stories/ibs-gerd
Don't forget to check out the comments underneath, and feel free to ask your question there! Hopefully someone will be able to give you some advise. I hope that's helpful!
Take good care.
Kat (Team Member)I think you should always run any weird stuff past your doctor, especially unexplained chest pains.
But sometimes the vagus nerve gets involved with IBS, and if that gets upset it can trigger other symptoms such as heart palpitations, dizziness, panicky sensations and other things. Even trapped wind or straining on the toilet, or even a diarrhoea attack can disturb the vagus nerve. That usually doesn't last very long though but can be scary if it happens.
Pain can also be "referred" pain. That is, it can be felt in a different area from the source of the painFor sure that is great advice. Always try your best to run things past your physician or medical professional. I just wish they were easier to get a hold of! My docs sometimes take days to respond and it can be over by then, or a few times worse enough by then that I've gone to the ER! Not like the old days when you could just pick up a phone and ring the doc! Referred pain is a real thing as well, and fortunately, so far, it's been only that for me! Have to keep vigilant, though. Keep on keepin' on, DPM
